My brother and I went to vote yesterday. We were joking before we went that it didn’t matter how he voted because as a white, middle class, educated male he would be fine regardless of who is elected. For me, a disabled female, the results of this election are crucial.
For the last four months I have been fortunate enough to live with my parents. Up until the last month I’ve barely left my house because, like many people with disabilities, I have no idea how COVID-19 will affect me. For us it simply isn’t worth the risk.
I went to vote to ensure that people with disabilities aren’t forgotten as restrictions begin to lift and everyone else moves into the “new normal”. And I did vote. But the HOW is completely unacceptable.
We arrived at the building. There were no accessible parking spaces. My brother pushed me (because the ground was gravel instead of pavement) to where there was a wheelchair sign next to the entrance. There was no ramp so my brother had to lift me, and my chair, over the curb.
My brother opened the door for me because there wasn’t a handicap push button. When I got my ballot I was handed a piece of paper and a pen without being asked if I needed assistance. I didn’t, but that’s not the case for everyone. My brother and I wore masks. The staff did not.
I was informed that the ramp is coming but isn’t here yet. But no fear! They said that it was okay because “my big strong bother was with me.” I did not confront the lady who I knew was doing her best to make light of the situation. But it’s not a light situation. Not at all.
Yesterday my brother voted. Yesterday I was shown that as a person with a disability my vote is irrelevant. If my white, male, able-bodied brother had not been there I would have been forced to leave without voting simply because I can’t walk.
I can’t tell you how to vote; ironically, it’s your right to vote and to vote for whichever party you please. But I will ask you to think of me when you vote. Think of the people who would be deprived of access to healthcare due to the closure of clinic 554.
Think of the people with mental illnesses who don’t have access to proper treatment. Think of the LGBTQ+ community who lack important resources and proper healthcare. Think of POC and the systematic racism they endure every day.
When you vote, don’t think of people like my brother who will be fine regardless of the results of this election. Think of the many minority groups that exist in our province. Think of people like me. And to whoever is in charge of arranging polling stations: DO BETTER. #nbpoli
